Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;
As I compose this article, I am so struck by the magnitude of God fulfilling in our midst the words of His Son, our precious Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. He said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father."(John 14)
His Holy Spirit has beautifully worked in your lives not only to call you to faith; but to grant you a depth of faith that is so needed in today's world. I see the works of God all around me and my heart is filled with thanksgiving. Men and women of faith who have and are heeding the call of God to the teaching ministry. How these men and women are blessing our children, youth, and adults both in our Sunday School, Adult Bible Study Classes, Small Groups, and through the gift of our Parochial School. God's people cherishing the blessing of Christian fellowship and demonstrating the life-changing gift of hospitality. As I shared in our church/school picnic; I witnessed so many acts of hospitality and a beautiful Christ-centered desire for the presence of God at that event. My heart is inspired as I see with my own eyes your desire to bring the gospel to others. Your inviting of friends, your welcoming attitude in worship, and your yearning for visitors and guests to become part of Emmanuel's family. I saw the presence of Christ in your compassionate hearts as you surrounded one in our midst who has been ill and showered them with your concern and hope for the future. I sense your profound desire to be the people of God at this time and place as I behold hearts that are crying out for the souls of the prodigals. Hearts filled with pain at the fact that their loved ones are not in worship; but hearts filled with hope that God can do more than we could pray for or imagine. I witness the works of God as I behold members of our parish family providing Helping Hands Meals and Bereavement Dinners. The thought that goes into this profound act of Christian love especially in time of loss powerfully proclaims our faith in Christ and the certainty of the resurrection to life everlasting. As I attended the preliminary meeting to establish a phone ministry especially to care for our sick and elderly; I witnessed people of God with a sincere sense of Christian love and a longing to care for our elderly and hurting. Finally, I see the great works of Christian service that you are involved in daily. Just this past week, I stopped by the home of an elderly member and she quickly pointed out to me a beautiful blanket ladies of our parish had made. She was so touched by the simple act of giving and how much the gesture of Christian love meant to her.
All around me, I see the very hand of God beautifully equipping you through the gospel to do works that have eternal significance as you become the very presence of Christ unto another.
As our parish family moves into the future through BLOOM, we are already witnessing the hand of God at work in our community of faith. You want to do the works of God! You know how eternally significant God's work is to those around us! You truly are Beloved Children of God, Led by His Spirit, Overflowing with joy and thanksgiving, Offering yourselves to the Lord, Moving Forward in Faith committed to His Calling for your life. You are BLOOMING for God! His kingdom work is being enhanced by your faithfulness! Praise be to God!!!
There are untold blessings ahead as BLOOM unfolds in our midst. God's Spirit will continue to work in the lives of His people to guide them into their individual calling as Christians. Out of this calling will come beautiful works of God that glorify His Holy Name and further His kingdom. I thank God for the fantastic Executive Committee connected to BLOOM. They are working so faithfully to bless Emmanuel! Their sacrificial hearts are truly an inspiring witness to all of us. Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father."(John 14) Before my eyes, here at a place called Emmanuel, I am beholding the very fulfillment of those words! Thanks be to God for this time and this privilege!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Michael McFarland
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